Pwuc trio SSS project

Pennsylvania Western University received a $352,531 Project Grant award effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, from the Office of Postsecondary Education to support the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program (CFDA 84.042). The award funds comprehensive supportive services designed to enhance postsecondary educational outcomes for disadvantaged students, including low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities enrolled at the institution. The SSS program delivers targeted interventions to increase student retention and graduation rates, facilitate successful transfers from two-year to four-year institutions, and strengthen students' academic potential and financial literacy.

The University will implement evidence-based student support services that address barriers to degree completion and educational advancement. These services support the Department of Education's objective to increase postsecondary education access, affordability, and completion for underrepresented student populations. The one-year project period reflects the annual continuation award structure of the federal TRIO program, with funding subject to the institution's demonstrated progress toward program objectives and compliance with grant conditions.